Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Hello, everyone! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate Chinese traveler who loves the freedom of independent travel. Unlike standard guided tours, I prefer to explore at my own pace, especially in those off-the-beaten-path destinations. I’m always on the lookout for low-budget travel tips and secrets. Today, I’m excited to bring you a comprehensive guide to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), helping you navigate from the airport to the city center and explore the airport facilities with ease. I hope this guide makes your trip to Beijing smoother and more enjoyable!

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Overview of Beijing Capital International Airport

• Airport Code: PEK
• Location: Chaoyang and Shunyi Districts, Beijing, China
• Distance from Downtown Beijing: Approximately 25 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • Terminal 1 (T1): Built in 1980, T1 is the oldest terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport, mainly serving domestic flights. It covers about 78,800 square meters.
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Opened in 1999, T2 primarily serves international flights and spans approximately 336,000 square meters.
  • Terminal 3 (T3): Opened in 2008, T3 is one of the largest single-building terminals in the world, mainly serving international routes. This terminal covers about 1,001,000 square meters.

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4 Best Ways to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport to Downtown Beijing

To make your journey from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to the city center smooth and easy, I’ve outlined four of the best transportation options: subway, airport shuttle bus, taxi, and rideshare services. Below are detailed instructions for each method so you can pick the one that best fits your budget and schedule.

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1. How to Take the Subway from Beijing Capital International Airport to Downtown Beijing

From Terminal 3

After arriving at T3, cross the corridor from the arrivals area to the parking building. You’ll find the subway entrance on the second floor of the parking area.

• Operating Hours: 6:22 AM – 10:52 PM
• Cost: 25 RMB per person
• Line and Transfer Options: Key stations include Beixinqiao (transfer to Line 5), Dongzhimen (transfer to Lines 2 and 13), and Sanyuanqiao (transfer to Line 10).

Ticket Purchasing Options:

• Buy a single-ride ticket at the ticket counter or from a vending machine. Payment options include cash, WeChat, and Alipay.
• Use WeChat or Alipay QR codes to scan and enter directly.
• Tap in with a contactless bank card (Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay).
• Transportation Card Purchase: Klook Deals, KKday Offers

From Terminal 2

In T2, head down to level B2 of the parking building, where you’ll find the subway entrance.

• Operating Hours: 6:36 AM – 11:10 PM
• Cost: 25 RMB per person
• Line and Transfer Options: Stations along this route also include Beixinqiao (transfer to Line 5), Dongzhimen (transfer to Lines 2 and 13), and Sanyuanqiao (transfer to Line 10).

Ticket Purchasing Options:

1. Buy a single-ride ticket at the counter or from a machine using cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
2. Use WeChat or Alipay to scan the QR code for entry.
3. Enter with a contactless bank card (Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay).

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2. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Beijing Capital International Airport to Downtown

From Terminal 3

Take the escalator or elevator down to the first floor to board the city-bound shuttle bus.

• Cost: Tiered pricing by stop, ranging from 20 to 55 RMB
• Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Tip: Look for green signs for city buses, as intercity buses are marked in red.

From Terminal 2

Exit T2 at Gate 9, and the shuttle bus waiting area will be on your right.

• Cost: Tiered pricing from 20 to 55 RMB, depending on the stop
• Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

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3. How to Take a Taxi from Beijing Capital International Airport to Downtown

From Terminal 3

Take the elevator down to level B1, where you’ll find the taxi stands.

• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Cost: Approximately 80 RMB, depending on distance. Fares are calculated as follows: 13 RMB base fare for the first 3 kilometers, then 2.3 RMB per kilometer. Night fares (from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM) increase by 20%.

From Terminal 2

Exit through Gate 9, and you’ll find the taxi queue on your left.

• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Cost: Around 80 RMB, with fares based on the same calculation: 13 RMB for the first 3 kilometers, then 2.3 RMB per kilometer, with a 20% surcharge from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

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4. How to Take a Rideshare from Beijing Capital International Airport to Downtown

From Terminal 3

Take the escalator or elevator down to level B2, Section H, where rideshares pick up passengers.

• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Cost: Approximately 60 RMB, depending on the destination.

From Terminal 2

Exit T2 at Gate 9, walk straight into the parking building, and turn left after about 150 meters to find the rideshare waiting area.

• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Cost: Around 60 RMB, subject to the distance and time of day.

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3 Best Ways to Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

Whether you’re heading to Beijing’s iconic Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, here are three convenient ways to travel from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to these popular destinations. Depending on which terminal you’re arriving at—Terminal 3 or Terminal 2—you’ll find the subway, taxi, and rideshare services easy to access.

From Terminal 3

1. Subway

• How to Board: Take the elevator or escalator to the second floor of the T3 parking building and catch the Airport Express line to Dongzhimen Station, then transfer to Line 2.
• Exit at Qianmen Station: Arrive at Qianmen Station, where it’s about a 10-minute walk to Tiananmen Square and around 15 minutes to the Forbidden City.
• Estimated Travel Time: 50-60 minutes
• Cost: 25 RMB per person (Airport Express line)
• Operating Hours: 6:22 AM – 10:52 PM
• Transportation Card Purchase: Klook Deals, KKday Offers

2. Taxi

• How to Board: Take the elevator to level B1, where you’ll find the taxi stand.
• Direct Route to Tiananmen or the Forbidden City: Taxis take the Airport Expressway and East 2nd Ring Road, bringing you directly to the entrances.
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Around 80 RMB, with slightly higher rates at night
• Operating Hours: 24 hours

3. Rideshare

• How to Board: Head down to the designated rideshare area on level B2, Section H.
• Booking Your Ride: Use apps like Didi to book a ride directly to the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square.
• Estimated Travel Time: Around 45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Approximately 60 RMB, with slightly higher rates at night
• Operating Hours: 24 hours

From Terminal 2

1. Subway

• How to Board: Go to level B2 in the T2 parking area to access the Airport Express line to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Line 2.
• Exit at Qianmen Station: Qianmen Station places you within a 10-minute walk to Tiananmen Square and 15 minutes from the Forbidden City.
• Estimated Travel Time: 50-60 minutes
• Cost: 25 RMB per person (Airport Express line)
• Operating Hours: 6:36 AM – 11:10 PM

2. Taxi

• How to Board: Exit through Gate 9, and you’ll find the taxi stand on your left.
• Direct Route to Tiananmen or the Forbidden City: Taxis take the Airport Expressway and East 2nd Ring Road, delivering you to your destination’s entrance.
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Around 80 RMB, with slightly higher rates at night
• Operating Hours: 24 hours

3. Rideshare

• How to Board: Exit through Gate 9, walk about 150 meters straight into the parking area to locate the rideshare waiting area.
• Booking Your Ride: Use an app like Didi to book a ride to either the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square.
• Estimated Travel Time: Around 45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Approximately 60 RMB, with slightly higher rates at night
• Operating Hours: 24 hours

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4 Best Ways to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing Railway Station

Traveling from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Beijing Railway Station is convenient, with multiple transportation options depending on which terminal you arrive at, T3 or T2. Here are the top four ways to make this trip, including details on subways, airport buses, taxis, and rideshares.

From Terminal 3

1. Subway

• How to Board: Take the elevator or escalator to the second floor of the T3 parking building and board the Airport Express line to Dongzhimen Station.
• Transfer to Line 2: At Dongzhimen, transfer to Line 2 in the clockwise direction.
• Exit at Beijing Railway Station: Arrive directly at Beijing Railway Station.
• Estimated Travel Time: 45-50 minutes
• Cost: 25 RMB per person (Airport Express line)
• Transportation Card Purchase: Klook Deals, KKday Offers

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• How to Board: Go to the first floor (1F) of T3 and board the airport shuttle bus heading directly to Beijing Railway Station (Line 1).
• Direct Drop-Off at Beijing Railway Station: The shuttle bus has a designated stop at the station.
• Estimated Travel Time: About 60 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: 25 RMB per person

3. Taxi

• How to Board: Take the elevator down to level B1, where taxis wait in the designated area.
• Direct Route to Beijing Railway Station: Taxis use the Airport Expressway and East 2nd Ring Road, taking you directly to the station.
• Estimated Travel Time: 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Around 80 RMB, with slightly higher fares at night

4. Rideshare

• How to Board: Head to level B2, Section H, where rideshares pick up passengers at the T3 rideshare area.
• Booking Your Ride: Use Didi or other rideshare apps to book a direct trip to Beijing Railway Station.
• Estimated Travel Time: 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Approximately 60 RMB, with slightly higher rates at night

From Terminal 2

1. Subway

• How to Board: Go to level B2 in the T2 parking building and board the Airport Express line to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Line 2.
• Exit at Beijing Railway Station: Transfer at Dongzhimen to Line 2, then exit at Beijing Railway Station for a direct arrival.
• Estimated Travel Time: 45-50 minutes
• Cost: 25 RMB per person (Airport Express line)

2. Taxi

• How to Board: Exit through Gate 9 and find the taxi stand on your left.
• Direct Route to Beijing Railway Station: The taxi route takes the Airport Expressway and East 2nd Ring Road straight to the station.
• Estimated Travel Time: 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Around 80 RMB, with slightly higher rates at night

3. Rideshare

• How to Board: Exit through Gate 9, walk straight into the parking area for about 150 meters to reach the rideshare waiting area.
• Booking Your Ride: Use an app like Didi to book a ride directly to Beijing Railway Station.
• Estimated Travel Time: 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: Approximately 60 RMB, with slightly higher rates at night

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Best Way to Travel Between Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing Airport

For travelers needing to transfer between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing Airport (PKX), regular shuttle buses make the trip convenient and affordable.

• How to Catch the Shuttle: Shuttle buses depart from the T3 terminal at Beijing Capital Airport and from the bus station at Daxing Airport.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Daxing Airport to Capital Airport T3: Three buses run daily at 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:30 PM.
    • Capital Airport T3 to Daxing Airport: Three buses depart daily at 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
  • Price: 50-100 RMB
  • Duration: Between 1.5 and 2.5 hours
  • Tip: The airports are quite far apart, so it’s best to allow at least 3 hours to make the transfer.

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Beijing Capital International Airport Guide

Tax Refund guide

Beijing Capital Airport makes it easy to process tax refunds for qualifying purchases. Here are the key steps and details:

• Refund Amount: 11% of eligible purchase amounts
• Refund Processing Time: Typically, refunds are processed within 3 weeks and credited to your bank card.
• Requirements:
  • For Checked Luggage Items: Complete the tax refund process before passing through customs.
  • For Carry-On Items: Process the refund after passing through customs.
• For more detailed information on tax refunds, visit our China Tax Refund Guide.

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SIM Card Purchase

If you need a local SIM card for your stay in China, Beijing Capital Airport offers convenient options for short-term travelers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Location: At the T3 terminal, near the international arrivals counter (Counter B) for hotel reservations.
• Requirements:
  • Passport
  • Face ID verification (as part of the purchase process)
• SIM Card Options:
  • Option 1: 7-day plan with 30GB of data and 100 minutes of domestic calls – 100 RMB
  • Option 2: 15-day plan with 50GB of data and 200 minutes of domestic calls – 150 RMB
  • Option 3: 30-day plan with 50GB of data and 300 minutes of domestic calls – 250 RMB

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Guide for Transferring Between Terminals: T2 to T3 and T3 to T2

Beijing Capital International Airport provides a free shuttle service for transfers between Terminals 2 and 3. Here’s how to use it:

From T2 to T3

• Location: Head to the arrivals level on the first floor of T2. Exit the terminal to find the T2-T3 shuttle bus waiting area.
• Cost: Free
• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Frequency:
  • Daytime: Every 10 minutes
  • Nighttime (11:00 PM – 6:00 AM): Every 15 minutes
• Travel Time: About 15 minutes

From T3 to T2

• Location: On the arrivals level of T3, go to Gates 7-9 to find the T3-T2 shuttle waiting area.
• Cost: Free
• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Frequency:
  • Daytime: Every 10 minutes
  • Nighttime (11:00 PM – 6:00 AM): Every 15 minutes
• Travel Time: About 15 minutes

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Payment App Assistance Counter (International Visitor Payment Service Center)

To help international travelers easily use WeChat and Alipay in China, Beijing Capital International Airport has set up a dedicated payment service counter in Terminal 3. Here, visitors can get assistance with setting up and using these popular Chinese payment apps.

• Services Offered:
  • Help with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps
  • Guidance on setting up international bank cards and enabling payment features within the apps
  • Basic usage support, answering questions about payment app functions and troubleshooting
• Location: Beijing Capital International Airport, T3, 2nd Floor, International Arrivals

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Beijing Capital International Airport Restaurant Information and Hours

Beijing Capital International Airport offers a wide selection of dining options after security in both Terminal 3 and Terminal 2. Each terminal includes some 24-hour restaurants, so travelers can enjoy a meal or a coffee no matter the time of day. Here are the details on available dining options in each terminal:

Terminal 3 Restaurants (Post-Security)

• Starbucks
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
• Costa Coffee
  • Hours: Open 24 hours (Three locations, with two open 24 hours and one open from 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
• KFC
  • Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Pizza Hut
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Le Gang Café – Chinese Cuisine
  • Hours: Open 24 hours

Terminal 2 Restaurants (Post-Security)

• Starbucks
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
• Malanhua Noodles
  • Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• McDonald’s
  • Hours: 5:00 AM until the last flight departs (closing times vary with flight schedules)
• Lugang Town
  • Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Le Gang Café – Chinese Cuisine
  • Hours: Open 24 hours

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Duty-Free Shop Hours at Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital Airport provides a variety of duty-free shopping options for travelers. Here’s an overview of major duty-free stores and their hours in both T3 and T2 terminals:

Terminal 3 Duty-Free Shops

• Sunrise Duty-Free
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – Midnight
  • Location: T3C, 2nd Floor
• Watch Store
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Location: T3E, 2nd Floor
• Cigarettes and Wine Store
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Location: T3E, 2nd Floor
• GUCCI
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: T3E, 2nd Floor
• HERMES
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: T3E, 2nd Floor
• MONCLER
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Location: T3E, 2nd Floor

Terminal 2 Duty-Free Shops

• Perfume and Cosmetics Store
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – Midnight
  • Location: T2, 2nd Floor
• Cigarettes and Wine Store
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – Midnight
  • Location: T2, 1st Floor
• Sisley
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – Midnight
  • Location: T2, 2nd Floor
• LA MER
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – Midnight
  • Location: T2, 2nd Floor
• DIOR
  • Hours: 6:30 AM – Midnight
  • Location: T2, 2nd Floor

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Baggage Storage Locations

Beijing Capital International Airport provides convenient baggage storage options in both T3 and T2 terminals for travelers who need to store luggage temporarily.

Terminal 3

• Location: T3-C, 2nd Floor, Public Area, West Side of the Arrivals Hall
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Prices:
  • Suitcases: 30-40 RMB per 24 hours
  • Boxes: 20-60 RMB per 24 hours
  • Other items: 100 RMB per 24 hours

Terminal 2

• Location: Near Gate 10, Departure Hall, 2nd Floor
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Prices:
  • Suitcases: 30-40 RMB per 24 hours
  • Boxes: 20-60 RMB per 24 hours
  • Other items: 100 RMB per 24 hours

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Currency Exchange Locations

Beijing Capital Airport offers multiple currency exchange counters in both T3 and T2 terminals, providing travelers with easy access to currency exchange services.

Terminal 3

There are three currency exchange locations in T3:

• Locations:
  • Departure Level, across from Gate 19 in Zone E (not open 24 hours)
  • 4th Floor, across from Gate 6 in the Departure Hall (not open 24 hours)
  • T3C, 2nd Floor, within the International Baggage Claim area (open 24 hours)

Terminal 2

There are three currency exchange locations in T2:

• Locations:
  • Departure Hall, across from Gate 8 (not open 24 hours)
  • Public Area, 1st Floor, across from Gate 9 (open 24 hours)
  • International Isolation Area, near Gates 10-11 (open 24 hours)

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Free Wi-Fi at Beijing Capital International Airport

Travelers can connect to free Wi-Fi at Beijing Capital Airport in three easy ways:

1. Mobile Number: Enter your mobile number to receive a verification code via SMS and log in.
2. Passport Login: Upload a copy of your passport’s main page, eliminating the need for a mobile number.
3. Ticket Machine: Use a self-service machine within the airport to receive a temporary login code.

Tip: You may need a VPN to access Google or other international sites while using airport Wi-Fi.

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Can You Stay Overnight at Beijing Capital Airport?

Terminal 3 Overnight Options

• Second Floor (Arrivals): This area has two dining spots open 24 hours:
  • Meet Noodles: Serving noodles for around 35 RMB per bowl
  • Lawson Convenience Store: Offering snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials
  • Accommodation: Ji Hotel, with rooms available around 900 RMB per night
• Fourth Floor (Departures): This floor is ideal for rest, with plenty of seating and lounge areas where you can sit or lie down. You’ll also find charging stations available for use.

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Check-in Times at Beijing Capital International Airport

Understanding the check-in times at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is crucial for a smooth departure. Here’s a detailed guide on when check-in opens and closes for both domestic and international flights at Terminals 2 and 3.

Domestic Flights

• Terminal 2
  • Check-in Opens: No later than 90 minutes before departure
  • Check-in Closes: 30-45 minutes before departure
• Terminal 3
  • Check-in Opens: 2 hours before departure
  • Check-in Closes: 45 minutes before departure

International Flights

• Terminal 2
  • Check-in Opens: No later than 150 minutes before departure
  • Check-in Closes: 40-60 minutes before departure
• Terminal 3
  • Check-in Opens: 3-4 hours before departure (for most airlines)
  • Check-in Closes: 60-75 minutes before departure

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Gate Opening and Closing Times

To ensure timely boarding, it’s important to be aware of the gate opening and closing schedules. Here’s a breakdown for domestic and international flights at Terminals 2 and 3:

Domestic Flights

• Terminal 2
  • Gate Opens: No later than 90 minutes before departure
  • Gate Closes: 30-45 minutes before departure
• Terminal 3
  • Gate Opens: 2 hours before departure
  • Gate Closes: 45 minutes before departure

International Flights

• Terminal 2
  • Gate Opens: No later than 150 minutes before departure
  • Gate Closes: 40-60 minutes before departure
• Terminal 3
  • Gate Opens: 3-4 hours before departure (for most airlines)
  • Gate Closes: 60-75 minutes before departure